Wearing a fur coat in the heat of summer is more than just a fashion statement, it’s a lifestyle! Keeping it cool however, lays a challenge.

Short of shaving it all off, we offer a few summer tips to keeping our furry companions cool.

Have an ample amount of water available to your pet at all times. Depending on the size of your living area we typically recommended at least 2 bowls of water in different locations. As a special treat, ice cubes may be added to the water during the day. Some cats may find ice cubes in their water unappealing, observe and use discretion.

Avoid prolonged exposure of your pet to direct sun and unventilated rooms. Many people leave a few windows open in their home to help create a nice cool cross-breeze while closing the shades on the sunny side of the home. If windows are left open, be sure to have secure window screens installed to prevent your animal companion from falling out. For you and your pet’s safety, never leave an open window or door unattended.

If your home is equipped to do so, use ceiling fans or an air conditioning system to help cool the house on those intensely hot days. Energy costs can be cut by: cleaning or replacing ventilation system filters each month, using programmable thermostats and installing “Energy Star” compliant equipment which can be twice as efficient as older equipment. see www.energystar.gov for more info.

To passively cool the house during summer, (or to retain heat during winter) replace old single-pane windows with insulated double pane glass windows. Insulated windows in conjunction with window blinds will dramatically increase the insulation value of your home’s exterior walls.

Keeping cats indoors at all times lessens their exposure to injury and illness however if they are allowed outdoors be sure to use ID tags and have your pet spayed or neutered. Microchip ID’s are also recommended.

-Brandon